Statement Of Brady Campaign On House Vote That Threatens Public Safety In Nation's Capital

Sep 17, 2008

Washington, D.C. -Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, issued the following statement about the House of Representatives’ vote to second-guess the District of Columbia’s elected officials and substitute their own views on the appropriate local gun laws in the Nation’s Capital:

“This legislation will endanger public safety in a city that is already a target for terrorists.  It will allow dangerous people to stockpile dangerous weapons and it will make it harder for the people of D.C. to combat gun violence in their community. 

“At a time when we should be taking common sense steps to protect Americans and their families from gun violence, this is a step in the opposite direction.  The United States Senate should not allow this dangerous bill to move forward.

“Instead of allowing the gun lobby to weaken gun laws in our Nation’s Capital, Congress should be strengthening our woefully inadequate Federal gun laws by requiring background checks for all gun sales, including at gun shows; closing the gap that gives known or suspected terrorists an opening to buy guns; and giving law enforcement more tools to fight illegal gun trafficking.”

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As the nation's largest, non-partisan, grassroots organization leading the fight to prevent gun violence, the Brady Campaign, with its dedicated network of Million Mom March Chapters, works to enact and enforce sensible gun laws, regulations and public policies. The Brady Campaign is devoted to creating an America free from gun violence, where all Americans are safe at home, at school, at work, and in our communities.

For continuing insight and comment on the gun issue, read Paul Helmke's blog at www.bradycampaign.org/blog/. Visit the Brady Campaign website at www.bradycampaign.org.